Spring arrives at Granlibakken with plenty of fun

With the ski season winding down, spring is warming up along the west shore of Lake Tahoe and Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge.

Pond skimming is a popular event with guaranteed laughs.Photo Courtesy of Northstar California Resort.

There are plenty of spring activities within a short distance from Granlibakken. Here are a few top choices:

Held annually, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association SuperTour finals will run April 4-11. The SuperTour is a season-long series of races that take place across America. The SuperTour finals are a mini-tour of four races that cap off the 2012-2013 SuperTour series.

Soak up the California sun and spring skiing scene at Northstar as the winter season comes to a close during Spring It On April 6-7. Live music, competitions, face painting and pond skimming will highlight the weekend.

Sleds will catch air April 6 during the Red Bull Schlittentag at Alpine Meadows. Schlittentag is the German word for “sledding day.” Put simply, it translates as “daredevils willing to propel themselves down a snow-covered hill and over a jump on a sled they built themselves.” Three person teams will stretch their imagination to build the wildest, fastest sled this side of the Alps. One team member will be the pilot and the two others will help give their sled the push it needs to win the race. Registration is at 10 a.m. and the first sled downhill is at 1:03 p.m. Awards and DJ party will ensue at 3:30 p.m. on the Sundeck.

Retro Ski Day returns to Squaw Valley April 6. Time to break out the rear-entry ski boots, neon one-piece and the ballet skis; Squaw plays a hilarious tribute to its Hot Dog and freeskiing roots with Retro Ski Day.

Ready, set, go! Northstar California and GoPro have teamed up for the GoPro Hunt Saturday April 13. Use tweets and clues to locate and win one of three hidden GoPro cameras! The competition begins at 11 a.m., the first clues will be tweeted out by @skinorthstar using the hashtag #goprohunt.

Top to bottom snow golf is planned April 13 for the 30th Anniversary Snow Golf Tournament at Alpine Meadows. This annual spring event is a unique way to spend a day on the slopes. The nine-hole course starts at the top of Summit Express chair and meanders its way down the mountain with the last holes bringing competitors back to the bottom of Alpine Bowl Chair. Winners receive prizes including gift certificates, Alpine Meadows swag, and more. Golf tournament registration is free at the top of Summit Express.

The annual SnowBash at Squaw Valley is set for April 13-14. SnowBash is two days packed with live music and on mountain fun.

Alpine Meadows and Snow Park Technologies roll out all the stops April 20 with an amazing slopestyle course during the Trains Freestyle Ski & Snowboard Competition. The unique format allows competitors to showcase their talents and fight for top honors and the chance to donate over $5,000 to selected charities.

Bluegrass and string music fans take note. The Mountain of Strings at Squaw Valley will be April 28. Presented by Crystal Bay Club & Pet Projekt, Mountain of Strings brings Yonder Mountain String Band, the Del McCoury Band and Tony Furtado to Squaw Valley for a live performance from 4- 9 p.m. in an outdoor tent in front of the Squaw Valley Conference Center.